What is Hydrosalpinx Removal?

Hydrosalpinx is a distally blocked fallopian tube filled with fluid as a result of infection or an injury. Women with hydrosalpinx find it difficult to conceive as the sperm cell won't be able to travel to fertilize the egg cell. And even if fertilisation has occurred, the fertilised egg won't be able to travel to the uterus for implantation. One of the treatments for this condition is Hydrosalpinx removal. Let's take a look at the factors that cause Hydrosalpinx and how it can be treated successfully.

Causes of Hydrosalpinx

• Pelvic or sexually transmitted diseases
• The build-up of tissues due to endometriosis
• A previous tubal surgery
• Tubal tuberculosis

Hydrosalpinx Removal Process

One of the treatments of hydrosalpinx is laparoscopic salpingectomy or hydrosalpinx removal. This is a keyhole surgery in which an incision is made on the patient's abdomen to remove the damaged tube, with the help of a laparoscope. Though hydrosalpinx removal gets rid of the affected tube, the blood supply to the reproductive organs can be disrupted.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Once a woman has her hydrosalpinx removed, she can opt for IVF if she wants to get pregnant. IVF is an advanced treatment to assist women to get pregnant easily. Once the damaged tube has been removed and after a couple of weeks, the doctor will start the VF treatment. Through medication, the female produces many eggs in the ovaries. The eggs are then removed from the ovaries and fertilised with a male sperm cell in a laboratory. Once the egg is fertilised, it is transferred to the woman's uterus with a help of a catheter. Since the damaged tube is removed completely, there won't be any more fluid build-up.

Other Treatment Options

Some doctors also recommend repairing hydrosalpinx without the use of surgery. A small incision is made to draw out the fluid build-up ( salphingotomy ) . However, there are chances that the fluid can collect in the tubes again.